2014/11/22/(Sat)

DHL Leipzig Hub expansion passes first milestone [Integrator]

First construction phase of EUR 150 million investment completed 200 of 400 new jobs already filledEfficient operations to deliver CO2 reduction of at least 1,800 tons per year

DHL's biggest hub in Leipzig continues to grow. The first construction phase of the DHL European Hub in Leipzig was officially completed today, with the first shipment sorting operations now already underway at the hub's new warehouse facility. The overall expansion will increase the processing capacity of the hub by 50%, to more than 150,000 shipments per hour. Also, over 200 of the approximately 400 additional jobs which will be created by the expansion have already been filled. DHL now employs over 3,800 people at the hub and has invested about EUR 510 million since the operations began in 2008.

Ralph Wondrak, Managing Director, DHL Hub Leipzig GmbH said: "DHL has delivered on the promise we made when we moved to Leipzig. This investment will allow us to create ideal operational conditions for future growth. We take our responsibility as an investor and employer in the region very seriously."

Efficient shipment handling and sorting processThe expansion will incorporate the building of a new 40,000m2 warehouse, in addition to the existing one. This will effectively double the current footprint and allow for a more efficient shipment handling and sorting process. The expansion includes the installation of a material handling system, a parking yard for trucks and almost 4,000m2 of office space.

DHL places great emphasis on minimizing the impact of its operations on the environment. Markus Otto, Managing Director, European Air Transport Leipzig GmbH, explains: "The expansion enables us to increase the efficiency of our flight operations. With this, our aircraft load factors can be increased and quicker turnaround can be achieved for each flight at the hub." Compared to the other options available to accommodate growth, the expansion of the hub in Leipzig will offer savings of more than 1,800 tons of CO2 per year.

The new lighting system will minimize electricity consumption. The existing rainwater cistern will be complemented by a second one, which will ensure an environmentally friendly water supply. Within the overall framework of DHL's GoGreen program, the facility will contribute to the company's goal of improving CO2 efficiency by 30 per cent by 2020.